Cystic artery

Gross anatomy

The cystic artery passes posterior to the cystic duct to reach the neck of the gallbladder. At this point, it gives off two-to-four minor branches, named Calots arteries 2 that supply the cystic duct. The cystic artery then divides into anterior and posterior branches at the neck of the gallbladder:

anterior (or superficial) branch passes subserously to the left of the gallbladder

posterior (or deep) branch passes between the gallbladder and the liver parenchyma and ends at the peritoneum at the liver surface; this gives off small branches that supply the gallbladder, and anastomose with the superficial branches

The cystic artery is part of the contents of Calots triangle. Cystic veins do not accompany the cystic artery, rather venous drainage of the gallbladder is via numerous small veins directly into the liver through the bed of the gallbladder and/or into the right portal vein within the liver 3.